A monkey's fist keychain is a 3-inch-long keychain made from cotton cord and a traditional seafaring knot. The knot is tied around a ball, often covered in cotton cord, and finished with a split ring. Perfect for holding keys, zipper pulls, and even ornaments. The monkey's fist knot originated with sailors, who used it to weigh down the end of a heaving line to make it easier to throw. The weighted rope could also be used as a hand-to-hand weapon called a "slungshot". In the past, sailors would also stuff monkey fists into cracks in rocks to use as anchors for rock climbing.